Hey, I'm new to all this stuff, but really needing advice for one of my cats. He is 8 yrs old, and hasn't eaten in 4 days. He has had some water, but his poop is more like water and he can't make it to the litter box, just to the bath mat in the main bathroom. He has lost weight, too. Any ideas on what this might be???

Winston

January 3rd, 2008, 04:07 PM

Welcome to the forum...I think you need to see a vet immediately...Cats that dont eat for that many days can decline at a quick rate...We are not vets here so something this serious needs to be looked at quickly!

Please let us know how you make out!

Would love to see some pics of your kitty!

Cindy

SARAH

January 3rd, 2008, 04:09 PM

Yes yes yes ... run to the vet and see what's wrong with your :cat: and then run back with good news and post some pics for us!

Main concern: vet!

rainbow

January 3rd, 2008, 04:25 PM

Welcome to the forum and I agree......get your cat to the vet right away as he is seriously ill. :sad: Good luck and keep us posted. :fingerscr :goodvibes:

Thanks for all the good wishes, Harley is still at the vet... He is jaundiced, and hepatic, so I don't know when he will be able to come home. :sad:

The vet is closed tomorrow, but at least he will let me go there to see my baby at 10:15.

Phoozles, I know how you feel about a pleasantly plump :cat:. My Harley bear was 23 lbs at last check up, he is now 17 lbs. So this is just breaking my heart!

The other 2 :cat:s now know that he isn't here and seem to be looking for him. Rotten (the queen mit meow at 12 yrs old) not as much as Alaska (the baby girl mit meow at 4 yrs old).

Of course, my daughter, Cassandra (18 mths), is also asking Ha-lee? Ha-lee? Too cute, but sends me into another wave of tears....

Anyway, that is the update for now. Will keep you all posted. I have photos of all 3, but don't know how to get them on here. Can anyone help?

Love, Chrystal

growler~GateKeeper

January 6th, 2008, 02:45 AM

:goodvibes: for your Harley, great vet you have there to let you in to see him when they are closed :thumbs up

Has he had a full blood panel & urinalysis done? It is recommended to have them done every 6 months or @ the least every year after they turn 7 years old.

For the pics they each must be smaller than 100kb (various photo editing software will help w/this), when you click the reply button in a thread & get the reply box when you scroll down the page you will see "manage attachments" click that & type in or browse for the location of the pics on your computer, click upload, then post reply :)

Sorry to hear about Harely and his liver problems. I'm assuming he's developed hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). How is he today? Do you know what the vet is doing to treat it? I'm a little concerned that he isn't at a 24 hr clinic. Do you know if the vet has someone check on him in the night? He must be on IV at this point and I'd be very leery about leaving a cat on an IV unattended for very long.

While HL is very serious, most cats do recover if it's treated aggressively. That may mean placing a feeding tube to make sure he gets the nutrition he needs. Sounds scary but it's very doable. Here are some links for you to check out:
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/hep-lipidosis.html
http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/turner/index.php
http://www.catinfo.org/feedingtubes.htm

Let us know how Harley is doing. :fingerscr for his recovery.

StumpsMom

January 7th, 2008, 01:19 AM

Sorry to hear about Harley...sure hope he feels better soon. And welcome to Pets.ca :)

chrystal

January 7th, 2008, 01:42 AM

Hey All,

Thanks again for the well wishes, links, and to you growler for how to attach photos... (it won't do it, but thanks!) When I tried to upload, it told me I had an invalid post. (Don't know what that means) I may try again at the end of this message.

So, (amidst a river of tears) vet doesn't know if it is hepatic lipidosis without a biopsy or ultrasound, and I just can't afford those tests, so Harley may not be coming home. At least not in the recovery sense. :sad:

I did go see him today, and he tried to get out of the cage they have him in. He drank some water, and ate 1 of the treats I gave to him. I took the shirt I wore yesterday to put in with him, told him I loved him, gave him cuddles, and cried my heart out.

He is not on an IV, and the vet is really good. My hubby, Jaret, has been with him for years with all of the animals he has had. The Dr. checks on all of the animals regularly as he lives on property.

Anyway, kids, I have about 3 hours worth of work to do to finish my work day, so I will say night night. Love you all for all your :fingerscr and words of hope, but I fear it may be hopeless :cry:.

Thanks again.

Chrystal

growler~GateKeeper

January 7th, 2008, 02:59 AM

:grouphug:

I'm not a vet by in my opinion it does sound like hepatic lipidosis.

Has the vet been able to get Harley to eat?

What Harley really needs right now is a high quality high protein food (raw would be best) to allow the liver to clear out the excess fat & resume moving it through the body. Fluids are also very important to help flush the toxins from his system.

The feeding tube suggested by Sugarcatmom is a great idea, this will ensure Harley gets the protein nutrition he desparately needs. High quality protein pureed food can then be syringed directly into his gi tract.

Some supportive supplements good for the liver are milk thistle and SAM-e (http://www.discountpetmedicines.com/denosyl-zentonil-same-meds.htm)

Also you can look into Standard Process Feline Hepatic Support (http://www.standardprocess.com/display/VeterinaryCatalog.spi?ID=348) I'm using their Feline Renal Support & Whole Body Support supplements with great success for my cat.

HL is not the death sentence it once was, if treated in time & aggressively, many cats will go on to make a complete recovery.

Many continued :pray: & :goodvibes: for Harley :grouphug:

rainbow

January 7th, 2008, 03:56 AM

I'm really sorry to hear about Harley. :grouphug:

Sugarcatmom and Growler are very knowledgable about cats and any information they give you is definitely worth following. :thumbs up

Sending lots of good wishes and keep us posted. :fingerscr :goodvibes: :goodvibes:

chrystal

January 7th, 2008, 01:33 PM

Ok, first of all, thank you again :) to growler and sugarcatmom for their wonderful knowledge. I am doing some research on all this stuff that is cramming my noggin! I want to bring him home so bad.... How long would I have to tube feed him for??? I also am wondering if this will happen again? His glucose is high because of stress, and I don't want to stress him out anymore! Is it the other 2 cats? Is it Cassandra? There are just so many things that I just don't know about. Which is why I am turning to you wonderful people for advice and support. Will go to see him in a while, will keep you posted.

Chrystal

SARAH

January 7th, 2008, 01:42 PM

Poor Harley :sad: :sick: :cat:
Why are all these tests so darned expensive all the time? With all the technology they have available, you'd think it'd be just an affair of a simple click on a machine, no? Yes, the machine costs money, but ... can't several vets in one area pay one together and send the samples to where this machine is, rather than having one each? :sorry: slightly :offtopic: but not a lot!

:fingerscr for Harley and for you, and a big :grouphug: to all your furry and non-furry family.

amatazes

January 7th, 2008, 02:15 PM

I have a big fat cat too at age 15. If anything happened to him I would cry as much as you.
Good luck.

chrystal

January 7th, 2008, 03:10 PM

Thanks, Sarah, appreciate the thoughts. I agree about the cost of tests, and the machine etc. I hear ya sister! Thanks so much to sugarcatmom again and to growler, their info is beyond helpful. I haven't gone to see him yet... evasion??? Anyway, will keep you all posted when I know more.

Chrystal

phoozles

January 7th, 2008, 04:49 PM

:grouphug: chrystal, I feel your pain. Jake was suspected of having fatty liver a few months back, but I think he didn't end up having it. He was dehydrated and had an IV put in - it was expensive, so I feel your pain on that one too! :frustrated:

I agree with the others, it definitely sounds like Harley's has fatty liver, and the good news is that they can rebound quite nicely from this. I know you're worried about it happening again, but as long as you monitor his eating habits, he should be fine in the future (your vet will probably prescribe an appetite stimulant if it looks like he's not eating - had one for Jake and it worked like a charm!).

:goodvibes: Hopefully Harley can come home soon and be back on the mend! :fingerscr

chico2

January 7th, 2008, 05:12 PM

chrystal,I am glad you came here for advice,even though none of us is a vet,many have the experience and knowledge to help out.
I hope you and the vet can figure something out and that Harley can come home to be treated,away from the stress at the vet.
:pray:for Harley

sugarcatmom

January 7th, 2008, 05:36 PM

How long would I have to tube feed him for???

That tends to be individual to the cat and the circumstances. I believe the average is 6-8 weeks but I've heard of some cats eating on their own 2 days after going home, and in my own case (I had a 3 yr old come down with HL many years ago), it was 3 months before we were ready to pull the tube out.

I also am wondering if this will happen again?

It doesn't usually. Once the liver has recovered, most cats live out the rest of their lives as normal. Having said that, it becomes vitally important to make sure the cat maintains a healthy weight and that it doesn't go without food for more than 24 hrs.

His glucose is high because of stress, and I don't want to stress him out anymore! Is it the other 2 cats? Is it Cassandra?

He's probably stressed from being at the vet. Infection and illness (other forms of stress) can also cause temporary hyperglycemia. This should resolve once he's home and feeling better (you can always check it yourself by picking up some Bayer diastix from the pharmacy and dipping one in his urine).

There are just so many things that I just don't know about. Which is why I am turning to you wonderful people for advice and support. Will go to see him in a while, will keep you posted.

Chrystal

Hang in there! I know it's hard, but when you visit him try to think positively so that he doesn't pick up on your despair. Do you have any idea what the vet is trying to do to make him better? I'm curious to know why Harley isn't on an IV because without eating for this many days and having had diarrhea, dehydration is a major concern. Not to mention that his electrolytes must be way out of whack. Is he force-feeding him at least? Giving him appetite stimulants? (which can be hard on an already compromised liver, but not eating is going to be much more detrimental). I don't mean to second-guess your vet and obviously I don't know all the details, just wondering.

If money is the issue, perhaps you can apply for Care Credit (http://carecredit.ca/), which is like an interest free medical credit card to be paid back over the course of a year or so. It's also possible that you could qualify for assistance from IMOM (http://www.imom.org/), if your vet is willing to work with them. I would just hate to see Harley pass away from something treatable.

Good luck! Keep us updated, we're all pulling for you guys.

chrystal

January 7th, 2008, 07:40 PM

Oh, Sugarcatmom, if I could give you the world right now I would! I am just about to read those sites you sent me. Hopefully I can get some assistance that way :fingerscr:fingerscr

From what I read up on about HL, he stopped eating because he was stressed out. And what I thought was diarrhea was his urine, because it was so orange, I thought it was poop, but that just brings on a whole other barrage of questions and concerns....

I haven't gone to see him yet, but hopefully soon. Just waiting for my best friend to call back, so she can come with me. (I hate going alone) and maybe with her there, I can be stronger. Although she is as bad as me! She recently had to put her 19 yr old cat Opal down (August) and she is just as devastated about Harley.

Again, thank you thank you thank you!

Chrystal and Harley

sugarcatmom

January 7th, 2008, 08:54 PM

From what I read up on about HL, he stopped eating because he was stressed out.

Well, maybe or maybe not. A lot of the time there is no identifiable cause (idiopathic), or it could be the secondary result of some other disease like diabetes, pancreatitis, hyperthyroid, etc. My cat that developed it 12 yrs ago became anorexic from antibiotics, and because I free-fed dry food I didn't notice he'd stopped eating for several days.

Do you have reason to think Harley is stressed out? How's his attitude normally? Has he taken to hiding or hissing, acting unusually cranky or mopey? There are some things you can do to help him, such as get a Feliway room diffuser or some Rescue Remedy, but we can get into that later if needed.

And what I thought was diarrhea was his urine, because it was so orange, I thought it was poop,

All the more reason for him to be getting intravenous fluids! And no doubt he needs his electrolytes monitored and balanced. I really really hope your vet is on top of this.

Stay strong! You're doing great.

chrystal

January 8th, 2008, 01:55 AM

Thanks again, Sugarcatmom, and yes it has been real stressful here for the last 3 months. Hubby and I almost split, and since Cassandra was born, Harley and I don't get to spend as much time together as we should. Normally, he couldn't give a hooey about much of anything, unless he wanted cuddles, then he would just jump on up and get them. He was mad at me for a while when we brought Cassandra home, but I thought he was over it, and recently she has been wanting to give him pets and kisses. We made sure she was very gentle with the cats, but the odd time she gets a bit over-zealous, and follows them around for a bit.

Regarding the fluids, he is not on an IV, but the vet has been giving him injections, and silly me, I didn't ask what it was. He apparently did eat this morning, and he is drinking water. I gave him a few soft treats tonight, and he ate a bit of them.

As far as those sites you gave me about getting some other help were great, but IMOM is out because he is already in the clinic. I have to try something else with Care Credit since the area where he is doesn't have any vets on the program.

I have to call the vet in the morning and let him know whether I want to go ahead with the biopsy and feeding tube, but I just don't know if I can afford all this. If I were to have an ultrasound and fine needle aspirate done, he would have to be sent downtown Vancouver and he said to get a radiologist to do the test asap, I would be looking at 5-600.00.

I am getting frustrated just because of finances now. Especially since I know that there are things that can be done, that it isn't completely hopeless, and it gives me hope to bring my baby home. But if this is gonna run me a ton of $$$, when I only work 1 day a week, then what? :eek:

I am so thankful to you for all your advice and links, it has helped me to understand more that when all this happened, and again, if I could give you the world right now, I would! You are an absolute :angel: and I can't thank you enough! :angel2:

Well, gonna run for tonight, need to try to get more sleep than I have been getting and my body is starting to drag. So, night night, and thank you so much for the fiftieth time (with more to come!), you will never know how much I appreciate all that you, and Growler, and all the others have done, and the support you have all shown this new nitwit.

Lovies (as Cassandra would say) to you all.

Chrystal

growler~GateKeeper

January 8th, 2008, 03:32 AM

So glad Harley is eating & drinking :highfive: the feeding tube would still be best for longer term support like Sugarcatmom mentions.

If I were to have an ultrasound and fine needle aspirate done, he would have to be sent downtown Vancouver and he said to get a radiologist to do the test asap, I would be looking at 5-600.00.

I have been to the Radiologists @ CanWest in Burnaby for my :rip: dog & to the hyperthyroid specialists @ Northwest Nuclear for Duffy :cat: both facilities are fabulous :thumbs up & VanAnimal ER too of course - all are dedicated to the pets not the $. Northwest did a half down payment plan for me, with the other half paid 1 month later (HyperThyriod radiation $1300:eek:). You can always phone & ask if a payment plan is an option for your case. CanWest & NorthWest Nuclear are both by referral only so they are more open to offering payment plans. Vancouver Animal ER is 24hr vet staffed not sure if they offer payment plans but again a phone call never hurts.

many :goodvibes: & :grouphug: for Harley & you

Love4himies

January 8th, 2008, 09:18 AM

Here is a :grouphug: for you. I am sorry that I can't offer any advice, but would like to reassure you that sugarcatmom and growler are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to felines and would never hesitate to take their advice.

:fingerscr that Harley makes a speedy recovery.

chrystal

January 8th, 2008, 12:19 PM

hey, growler, the one he mentioned is out by the PNE grounds, so I don't know if you know which one that is?

I just don't know what to do, my financial situation is just prolonging everything, and I don't know whether to just stop the suffering... :cry:

I want to bring him home, but???

gotta run, cassandra needs breakfast.

love u all, and thanks again.

Chrystal :wall:

amatazes

January 8th, 2008, 12:21 PM

it's a very hard decision to make. If you need moral support everyone here can do that but it's a decision you have to make on your own.

I think, if you try, you will find a way, either way.:sorry:

chrystal

January 8th, 2008, 01:09 PM

Hey everyone,

I have just made the hardest decision ever. I am going to have him put down. I just can't bring him back to a stressed out house, because even if he does recover, will it happen again? will he run away? I just can't take that chance. This is so hard, but I can't do this to him. i love him too much!

I will so need all of you to get thru this!

chrystal :cry::cry::cry:

amatazes

January 8th, 2008, 01:11 PM

:sorry::sad:

sugarcatmom

January 8th, 2008, 02:18 PM

Hey everyone,

I have just made the hardest decision ever. I am going to have him put down. I just can't bring him back to a stressed out house, because even if he does recover, will it happen again? will he run away? I just can't take that chance. This is so hard, but I can't do this to him. i love him too much!

I will so need all of you to get thru this!

chrystal :cry::cry::cry:

Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry you and your family have to go through this. It really is a very hard but very brave decision, the sort of thing only you and Harley and the vet can decide. He will live on in your heart. See if you can manage to be with him at the end so he can feel your loving touch.

Peace to you, :candle:

Julie

chrystal

January 8th, 2008, 03:04 PM

Thank you all so much. I will be with him, and I will bring him home to :rip: in the back yard. I hate this feeling so much, but I have to look out for his best interests. I can't have him suffer anymore than he already has. Will be back on tonite or tomorrow after Cassandra gets her shots (another tear fest).

He will always be in my heart forever and ever! :cry::cry::cry:. He has his :pawprint: in my soul always.

Chrystal

Love4himies

January 9th, 2008, 08:31 AM

:grouphug: to you, chrystal. I know this is such a difficult time for you.

SARAH

January 9th, 2008, 08:36 AM

I'm :cry:ing with you, I can just imagine if I had to do that with one of my little cats, or the dogs, right now ... :cry: :grouphug: Chrystal!

2survivors

January 9th, 2008, 10:16 AM

Thank you all so much. I will be with him, and I will bring him home to :rip: in the back yard. I hate this feeling so much, but I have to look out for his best interests. I can't have him suffer anymore than he already has. Will be back on tonite or tomorrow after Cassandra gets her shots (another tear fest).

He will always be in my heart forever and ever! :cry::cry::cry:. He has his :pawprint: in my soul always.

Chrystal

:sorry:
My thoughts are with you ----having just gone through this with Jessica I think I know how you feel-----you will be on my mind----:cry:
To make such a decision is the hardest one but one of the most important---- I've said this recently----to do what was right for Jessica and not me was the right thing to do!:cry:

phoozles

January 9th, 2008, 05:59 PM

:sad: Poor Harley. :grouphug:

chrystal

January 9th, 2008, 11:58 PM

:cat: hey everyone,

Please don't be angry with me, but I had 2nd thoughts, and I had the biopsy done and feeding tube installed today! He wasn't looking so good today, of course, but I decided against putting him down last night when I went to see him and he ate for me! It is gonna be a long haul, but worth it, I hope. I just couldn't do it when he may have another 8 or 10 years in him :fingerscr :fingerscr . And it helped when the vet said I could make payments.

So, thank you again to everyone, and any advice from here on out would be fantastic! I am just on :cloud9:!

A little :offtopic: but Cassandra is now drawing on the wall, and since it is with pencil, I figure go to it!

Anyway, I don't know when I can bring Harley home, but he will get all the love and attention that I can muster. Thanks again so so so much everyone!

Sugarcatmom, Growler, Phoozles, Sarah, Love4himies, 2survivors, Amatazes, Chico2, Rainbow: I will forever be in your debt for all the support and advice, tears and crossed fingers, hugs and vibes, prayers and everything else you guys have given of yourselves to me and Harley. You are all my :angel2::angel:s. You have all left your own :pawprint::pawprint:s on my heart!

To answer your earlier question yes the clinic near the PNE grounds is Canada West Veterinary Specialists it is in Vanc not Burnaby (it's right near the boarder actually & they used to be on the Bby side) Please be sure to call them & ask about payment plans if you decide to go ahead with the tests

chrystal

January 10th, 2008, 01:38 AM

Thanks, Growler, appreciate all advice etc! And sorry, Winston, I forgot you on my list of thanks, so pls read rest of this thread!

Wee one is still up, so gotta go fight to get her down. See you all tomorrow (for sure this time, LOL)

Kisses & Meows,
Chrystal

sugarcatmom

January 10th, 2008, 11:00 AM

:cat: hey everyone,

Please don't be angry with me, but I had 2nd thoughts,

Oh my goodness, we'd never be angry about something like THAT!! I'm so happy that you had a chance to re-evaluate the situation.

and I had the biopsy done and feeding tube installed today! He wasn't looking so good today, of course, but I decided against putting him down last night when I went to see him and he ate for me! It is gonna be a long haul, but worth it, I hope. I just couldn't do it when he may have another 8 or 10 years in him :fingerscr :fingerscr . And it helped when the vet said I could make payments.

That's fantastic that the vet is going to do a payment plan with you. I won't lie to you, it can be tough to nurse a sick cat back to health, but it can also be extremely rewarding. You're bond with Harley will become incredibly strong.

If you need any advice whatsoever about the tube-feeding, let me know. I've done it on 3 separate occasions for various issues and even the vets at my clinic consider me a pro. Do you know what kind of tube they put in? Does it go in through his neck or directly into his stomach?

chrystal

January 10th, 2008, 12:00 PM

Hello,

First, sorry Stumpsmom, almost forgot you in my thank you's.

Second, the tube is inserted in the front of his neck, is sutured, goes around the left side of his neck (if looking at him from behind) is sutured, and comes out at the back with tape holding it in place.

They will show me how to do it at the clinic, as well as what to give him. He was still pretty groggy from the anaesthetic last night, so he only drank some water. But hey, it was something!

Believe me, I will definitely be picking your brain on this as long as you don't mind some silly questions every now and again.

Going to go get wee one up now, back in a while. Don't know if they will let me bring him home today, but here's hoping :fingerscr

Chrystal

14+kitties

January 10th, 2008, 12:15 PM

Hey Chrystal. I somehow missed out on most of this post past the welcome. So sorry. Kudos to you for making the decision to keep Harley going. It will be a tough haul for a while but the love he will give you will far outweigh the toughness. :grouphug: and keep your hopes up!

Love4himies

January 10th, 2008, 12:19 PM

OH I AM SOOOOO HAPPY YOU DIDN'T DO IT. Deep down inside I thought it was a little too soon, but I am not there to see your kitty so I didn't think it appropriate to express my opinion.

Hooray, I hope Harley makes a full recovery and I am sure he will with all the love and care you will give him. He will be eternally grateful to you for this decision.

We are never mad at somebody who makes the decision to give every chance possible to save a life of a furkid.:thumbs up:clap::clap:

phoozles

January 10th, 2008, 01:07 PM

YAY! :highfive: We're so happy you've decided to make a go at it - it can be a little tough at times, but I bet you've got a little fighter there in Harley!

Feel free to ask us questions at any times, and give us plenty of updates on Harley and his progress! :cat: :grouphug: :goodvibes:

chico2

January 10th, 2008, 02:55 PM

Chrystal,you have me in tears,I thought Harley was already gone and now this news,absolutely wonderful:thumbs up
Yes,you'll have a lot of ups and downs,it's not going to be easy,but Harley is alive and I am sure,will get better.
I am certainly not knowledgable in this kind of thing,but several people here are and will answer any questions you have,I am sure!!
Thank dog your vet saw how much you love your cat and gave you a paymentplan,it's always a heartbreaking thing,when a cat/dog has to die because there just is not any money to spare,so kudos to your vet,wish they were all like that.

chrystal

January 10th, 2008, 03:20 PM

hey,

still waiting to hear from the vet on his progress today, and sorry, 14+kitties, almost forgot you in my thank you note.

will let you know when I do.

thanks again for all of your support, kind words, and advice.

meow for now,
C

growler~GateKeeper

January 11th, 2008, 01:30 AM

How did Harley do today? :goodvibes:

rainbow

January 11th, 2008, 02:57 AM

:fingerscr :goodvibes: :goodvibes: for Harley.

chrystal

January 11th, 2008, 04:55 PM

hi everyone,

vet called last night to tell me he could probably come home today. well, i just wasted 2 hrs sitting there to be told he couldn't come home till tomorrow. not a big deal, got to have a good visit, and they showed me how to tube feed him, but i don't have the fuel to be running back and forth, know what i mean? also, carting around cassandra isn't fair to her, either. sorry bout the venting, and i know some of it is :offtopic:, but needed to get that off my chest. then i find out that what i thought would be just an extra 300.00 on my bill, turns into a balance owing of 750 ish. :yell:, how frustrating! again sorry bout the ranting, but holy cow... :wall:

anyway, tomorrow Harley comes home and i will feel a bit better about that.

thanks for listening.

C

phoozles

January 11th, 2008, 04:59 PM

The wait can be frustrating - especially when you have to run back and forth.

Good news that you at least got to visit with him today and get a trial run on the feeding - can't wait to hear how Harley does back at home! :goodvibes: :grouphug:

chrystal

January 13th, 2008, 02:37 PM

hi,

well, Harley is still at the vet, and it is now sunday.... he wasn't doing so good yesterday, really listless, not moving around, am waiting for the vet to call me back to see how he is doing today.

i just want him home! i can't take much more of this, and i don't know if he is gonna get much better being there, or if he will do better at home, or what? i don't know if he is kind of giving up because he isn't at home?

will keep you all posted.

C

chrystal

January 13th, 2008, 03:07 PM

well, here we go again. just got off the phone with the vet, and Harley is now diabetic. oh, and the biopsy result was hepatic lipidosis - severe.

we are giving him 24 hours, but i think the worst is yet to come. i think that his body is just going to shut down, bit by bit, and since i can't go thru that, i think it is time. i have done everything i can, but i will not let him go thru this. :cry::cry::cry:

so, thanks again everyone, but i love him enough to let him go, and not have him suffer any more.

C.

chico2

January 13th, 2008, 05:05 PM

Chrystal,a diabetic cat can live a loong time,with treatment,often times though while beeing stressed like he certainly is now,cats will test positive for Diabeties,I have no idea what hepatic lipidosis is,I will google it.
I believe a cat will always do better at home,but if he's too sick to come home,there is not much you can do:sad:
You know your kitty the best and whatever you decide to do it will be out of love for him.
So sorry for both Harley and you:sorry:

chico2

January 13th, 2008, 05:11 PM

Oh,it means Fatty Liver Disease(FLD)and can be treated if caught early,but involves tube-feeding etc..or feeding with a syringe,until he is ready to eat normal again.

phoozles

January 14th, 2008, 01:29 PM

well, here we go again. just got off the phone with the vet, and Harley is now diabetic. oh, and the biopsy result was hepatic lipidosis - severe.

we are giving him 24 hours, but i think the worst is yet to come. i think that his body is just going to shut down, bit by bit, and since i can't go thru that, i think it is time. i have done everything i can, but i will not let him go thru this. :cry::cry::cry:

so, thanks again everyone, but i love him enough to let him go, and not have him suffer any more.

C.

Any updates, chrystal? :grouphug:

chrystal

January 14th, 2008, 02:05 PM

hi everyone,

Harley passed away about an hour and a half ago. :cry::cry::cry:

The vet called me just after 9 to let me know, and I knew he was giving up when I saw him on Saturday. He wouldn't look at me, etc.

Will need some support from you all if that is ok.

They will call me when I can pick up his ashes, but it doesn't make it any easier when I didn't get to say goodbye, or hold him one last time...

Gonna go cry some more, be back later.

Chrystal

amatazes

January 14th, 2008, 02:23 PM

Crystal I'm so sorry. His poor little body. Be strong. :sorry:

Winston

January 14th, 2008, 02:25 PM

Oh Crystal I am so sorry for your loss! Be sure to know that we are all here for you and will support you whenever you need us! If you haven't read the Rainbow Bridge poem I will insert it for you here! Draw some comfort in the fact that Harley is running free without any more pain!

RIP sweet Harley
:rip:

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Cindy

chrystal

January 14th, 2008, 03:15 PM

Thank you so much for the poem, Cindy, it is wonderful. Made me cry some more, but I think that is pretty much gonna be what I will be doing for the next few days.

You have all been so wonderful and supportive, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

A bit :offtopic: but is there a photo that comes up beside my name? If so, that is my beloved Harley :cat:.

:grouphug: to all of you!

:rip:Harley, I love you.

Chrystal

phoozles

January 14th, 2008, 04:07 PM

Oh Chrystal, :grouphug: So sorry to hear about Harley :sad: :rip:
Take comfort in knowing that you did what you could to give him a fighting chance - it was just his time to go. :candle:

I saw the picture of him in your profile - a beautiful big boy (just like my Jake) :cat:

We're here for you for support whenever you need it. :grouphug:

growler~GateKeeper

January 14th, 2008, 04:34 PM

:sad: Chrystal I'm so sorry to hear Harley has passed :2huggers: He has no pain, no discomfort, no worries, he is running free w/all those before him on the Rainbow Bridge.

Harley will be with you always, he is you & your daughters' guardian :angel2: now.

You did everything possible for your sweet boy :grouphug:

:rip: sweet :angel2: Harley :cat:

:grouphug:

chico2

January 14th, 2008, 04:45 PM

Aww Chrystal,I am so sorry to hear that:cry:but you know,these little kitties never really leave,at least not the place in your heart,especially for Harley:cat:
It's difficult knowing you were not there at the time,but Harley knew you loved him,knew you did what was humanly possible to help him.
:rip:sweet little Harley:angel2:

sugarcatmom

January 14th, 2008, 05:49 PM

Big hugs to you Chrystal, for being so brave and trying so hard to help Harley. Sometimes their little bodies just can't hold on anymore no matter what we do. Cry as much as you need to, and then magically one day you'll be able to smile when you think of Harley and your heart will fill with love instead of pain.

All the best to you and your family. :candle:

pbpatti

January 14th, 2008, 08:38 PM

I was so saddened by Harley's passing, keep all of your good thoughts with yu and know he is in a happy place. You will cry and rage whywhywhy, but from what iI read here you are a very strong girl and will help your daughter get through this loss as well as yourself. Gbless. patti

kiara

January 14th, 2008, 09:10 PM

Your cat is now a senior and he needs to be taken to a vet, it could be tummy problems, or something else.

chrystal

January 15th, 2008, 03:21 AM

Thanks, kiara, but had you read the whole thread, you would have seen all that was done, and now he is gone (passed away).

Don't mean to sound rude, just didn't know how else to word it.

Thanks again to all of you, your kind words and thoughts will be with me, and hopefully make me stronger day by day, but for today, I am a mess, a basketcase, and a generally soggy girl.

Harley Hugs and Kitty Kisses,
C.

rainbow

January 15th, 2008, 03:46 AM

Chrystal, I am so very sorry to hear about Harley. :sad: You did everything possible for him :angel: and he will always leave pawprints on your heart. :pawprint: My deepest condolences to you. :grouphug: :candle:

Love4himies

January 15th, 2008, 09:38 AM

Oh no, I was so happy thinking he was going to pull through.
Harley is now pain free.

:grouphug:

:rip: Harley :candle:

14+kitties

January 15th, 2008, 10:18 AM

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:
:candle: :rip: baby :candle:

bcsrule

January 15th, 2008, 10:23 AM

Crystal I'm so sorry for you. I'm bad at times in that I believe so much can be done at home by people who educate themselves and work very hard. I was told soo many times to give up on Wicket, but with the help of knowledgeable people and my persuit of ways to help him, he is alive and happy today. I had lots of money issues also and understand how frustrating it is. But then some people I'm sure would say I put him through too much for my own sake. No one can ever tell you what is right or wrong for you and Harley, just know there are people out here praying for you and will support whatever choice you make:sad:

bcsrule

January 15th, 2008, 10:27 AM

Sorry Crystal I just saw the updates. Again I will pray for you and know that Harley is a happy place with no pain and nothing but fun and friends forever:grouphug:

want4rain

January 15th, 2008, 11:27 AM

*hugs* im so sorry honey.

:candle: be in peace Harley.

-ashley

chrystal

January 15th, 2008, 09:42 PM

hi everyone,

thank you so much from the bottom of my heart, again! your words and thoughts are helping so much... doesn't take away the empty feeling, but helps ease the pain a little, bit by bit.

i know he is in a better place, running around, or lazing in the sun, sitting under shady trees.... and it helps a bit.

one of the girls at the vet who saw me a lot over the last week and a half told me today that she cried when she got to work yesterday and got the news, but that he waited for pam, the one who mostly fed him, etc. to get there, looked at her and passed away. makes me feel better that he wasn't alone. just more guilty that i wasn't there to say goodbye and hold him, and comfort him the way i should have been.

maybe i loved him too much, maybe that is why i didn't see what was happening at home, i always thought he was tough enough to handle anything. boy was i wrong! when will the guilty feelings go away??? does he know how sorry i am? does he know how much i loved him? :cry::cry::cry:

:grouphug: to all of you for helping me get through this, i need you all now more than ever.

chrystal

:rip:Harley :cat:, you will always be my :angel2:

Winston

January 15th, 2008, 10:48 PM

Chrystal ! there should be no guilt! He is free! we wish it would be forever but its just not! and Harley is waiting for you at the bridge! You did alot more than many would for their animals! trust me!

We are here for you!

Cindy
:candle:

bcsrule

January 15th, 2008, 11:24 PM

Crystal again I will tell you ,I will pray for you and never ever think we are not behind you and thinking of you:sad:

chrystal

January 16th, 2008, 01:32 PM

thank you, cindy, i think i needed that. i really did do everything i could. everything except bring him home...

i guess i just wish i had seen it sooner, maybe he would still be with me.

C.

phoozles

January 16th, 2008, 01:39 PM

Cats are so good at hiding their illnesses that I wouldn't let it get you down that you didn't notice it. When Jake was sick, I didn't notice it at all - my boyfriend mentioned it to me, and it was a complete shock!

I know it's easier said than done, but try not to feel guilty about what happened to him. It wasn't your fault, and you did what you could - it's all he could have asked for. We're here for you!! :grouphug: :candle:

chrystal

January 19th, 2008, 12:52 AM

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you all know that I picked up Harley's ashes today.

Again, thank you to all of you who gave me advice, words of wisdom, shoulders to cry on. You all went beyond the call of duty on this one, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Each of you hold a special place with me, and I will ask Harley to watch over each and every one of you.

Harley hugs and Kitty kisses,
Chrystal

:rip:Harley:angel2:, I love you.

growler~GateKeeper

January 19th, 2008, 01:27 AM

:grouphug: for you too Chrystal, I know how hard it is just picking up the ashes :grouphug:

rainbow

January 19th, 2008, 01:41 AM

Chrystal, a part of Harley will always be with you. :lovestruck: :candle: :cloud9: I have the ashes of my last two sibes next to me on the night table. :rip: :candle: :lovestruck: